The Who performed a short set of songs in celebration of legendary pop artist Sir Peter Blake’s 90th birthday at the Royal Festival Hall, London on Friday night, 2 December. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust and Graeae charities.
Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey were backed up by Simon Townshend (guitar), Jody Linscott (percussion), Billy Nicholls (vocals), and John Hogg (bass), who had all played with Roger on his solo tour in the UK last summer. They gave a 30 minute performance which included the songs Substitute, The Seeker, Tattoo, Behind Blue Eyes, The Kids Are Alright, Pinball Wizard, and Won’t Get Fooled Again.
The Who joined an impressive lineup of artists, including Chrissie Hynde, Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, Madness, and Baxter Dury (Ian Dury’s son). Bob Geldoff gave a talk, followed by video messages from Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, David Hockney and Jarvis Cocker. Sir Peter Blake also made an appearance, when he was interviewed at his private box seats midway through the show.
The event was curated by Paul Weller, and hosted by John Wilson (broadcaster from BBC Radio 4), who introduced the bands and conducted short interviews with many of the artists on the stage between acts. During the interview with Pete and Roger, they talked about how much Sir Peter Blake's pop art design directly influenced The Who’s style and stage clothing in the mid 60’s, inspiring them to wear bright bold colors and tailor coats out of the Union Jack flag. Pete described becoming aware of his work while attending art college: “The bullseye, the target, the chevrons, the medals, all that stuff came directly from a book of pop art that I saw at Ealing art school.” Those bold design icons went on to become an integral part of the vibrant style of swinging 60's mod London.
Many of the artists who came to pay tribute had an album cover done by Sir Peter Blake. He did the artwork for The Who Face Dances (1981), Live at Leeds 2 (2006), and their latest WHO (2019). Other famous album covers include The Beatles Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967), Ian Dury Apples (1989), Band Aid Do They Know It’s Christmas (1984), Eric Clapton 24 Nights (1991) and Me and Mr Johnson (2004), Paul Weller Stanley Road (1995), Oasis Stop the Clocks (2006), and Madness Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da (2012). Such an impressive catalog of work!
The evening was a memorable one for everyone lucky enough to attend. Hopefully Sir Peter Blake enjoyed his birthday celebration!
Many thanks to everyone who contributed photos, videos and review of the show.
Photo credit: Gary and Melissa Hurley
Video credit: Gary and Melissa Hurley
Video credit: Gary and Melissa Hurley
Photo credit: Helen Bryant
Video credit: J M Galasso
Photo credit: Lloyd Russell Neil
Video credit: J M Galasso
Photo credit: Gary and Melissa Hurley
Video credit: J M Galasso
Video credit: Automorph
Photo credit: Helen Bryant
Video credit: Automorph
Video credit: Automorph
Video credit: Automorph
Photo credit: Lloyd Russell Neil
Review by Gary and Melissa Hurley
A quick review for the Sir Peter Blake’s 90 birthday year concert last night at the Royal Festival Hall. The concert kicked off at 7pm with the host of the evening broadcaster John Wilson (JW) from BBC Radio 4 chatting with the organiser of the event Paul Weller, before the first live act of the night Baxter Dury (son of Ian Dury) and his band performed.
Next up another short interview with Pete and Roger was conducted by JW. Then Chrissie Hynde along with Paul Weller’s backing band played 4 songs including Foxy Lady by Jimi Hendrix and the theme song from Minder, a U.K. TV show from the 80s! Another JW interview with Noel Gallagher followed, who introduced his next door neighbour Paul Weller, who performed 4 songs including a number of song’s from his album Stanley Road.
At the stroke of 9pm JW conducted a short interview with the singer ‘Suggs’ from headline band Madness. He then introduced Noel Gallagher on to the stage for his 20 minute 4 song selection including 2 Oasis song’s Don’t Look Back In Anger and Wonderwall that had some of the crowd up on there feet for the first time after 2 hours into the evening’s entertainment. Next up was Baxter Dury who chatted with JW, who then said he was very proud to introduce THE WHO.
The Who’s set was just over 30 minutes in length and started with Substitute, then The Seeker, both with Pete on Acoustic guitar, before switching to lead guitar for Tattoo. Next up was Behind Blue Eyes, The Kids Are Alright, Pinball Wizard, and the final number with Simon, Jody and Billy walking off stage leaving Pete and Roger to perform WGFA by themselves to finish off the short but wonderful set in front of A U.K. audience for only the second time this year.
Just after 10pm, Sir Bob Geldof talked about Live Aid before a filmed interview with Eric Clapton and another with Sir Paul McCartney, before Madness performed all the hits and more over a 45 minute set. At the end JW thanked us for coming along and supporting the 2 charity companies that benefited from the ticket money raised on the evening.
No all star jam or unexpected guest’s performed and it was time to go home at 11pm. A fun evening and the ticket cost was just £85 for around 4 hours of music and chatting with other WHO fans.
P.s JW interviewed Sir Peter Blake sitting in his private box half way through the show as well.
